Small-Group Night of Reindeer and Northern Lights

Small-Group Night of Reindeer and Northern Lights: A Practical Review

A 4 to 5-hour evening adventure in Rovaniemi, Finland, offering an authentic glimpse into Lapland’s reindeer culture, traditional cuisine, and a hopeful glimpse of the Northern Lights. For approximately $270 per person, this tour takes you away from the city’s lights and into the countryside, where you’ll visit a reindeer farm, feast on reindeer meat, and scan the skies at night for the aurora borealis.

What we like about this experience is the chance to connect with local reindeer breeders and enjoy a genuine Lappish meal, all in a small-group setting that promises a more personal experience. The transportation included makes logistics simple, and winter clothing provided on-site ensures you stay warm, which can be a relief in the chilly Arctic evening.

That said, one notable consideration is that the tour’s activities don’t include a reindeer sleigh ride, and some reviews suggest that the actual experience can vary significantly from expectations — with some travelers disappointed about missing elements like campfires or aurora hunting. This tour best suits those seeking an authentic, relaxed night in the Lapland countryside rather than a high-adrenaline adventure.

If you’re keen on learning about reindeer husbandry, enjoying a traditional meal, and keeping your hopes high for the northern lights, this tour could be just the right fit. However, if you’re expecting a more dynamic aurora hunt or a festive reindeer sleigh ride, you might want to explore alternative options.

Key Points

• Authentic Reindeer Experience: Visit a traditional reindeer farm, feed the reindeer, and learn about their care.
• Cultural Dinner: Enjoy a classic Lappish reindeer meat meal or vegetarian option, highlighting local ingredients.
• Aurora Hope: Venture into the forest at night, with a chance (but no guarantee) to spot the Northern Lights.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Winter clothes, boots, and transportation are included, simplifying your logistical planning.
• Small Group: Limited to 24 travelers, ensuring a more intimate, less rushed experience.
• Mixed Reviews: Some travelers felt the experience was less than advertised, citing missing activities like campfires or aurora hunting.

A Close Look at What to Expect

The Reindeer Farm Visit

The tour begins with a guided visit to a traditional reindeer farm. Here, you’ll see reindeer up close, learn about their daily care, and have the opportunity to feed them. Many reviews highlight the genuine connection this fosters. For example, one traveler noted, “It was lovely to hear about everyday life, today and in the past, with this Lappish family.”

However, some guests found the reindeer somewhat skittish, saying “the reindeer were skittish and ran away,” which can be a bit disappointing if you’re hoping for a more interactive experience. The farm visit is straightforward but offers a real taste of local Sami culture.

The Dinner Experience

After the farm visit, you’ll sit down for a traditional Lappish reindeer meat dinner, with vegetarian options available upon request. The portion sizes tend to be modest, with some reviews mentioning the meal was “very small,” but many still appreciated the chance to sample authentic reindeer cuisine. The meal often includes reindeer, mashed potatoes, and lingonberry jam, giving a hearty, Arctic flavor.

Some guests noted the absence of drinks like traditional beverages, and one review pointed out the dinner was “a little just”, suggesting it’s more of a snack than a full meal. If you’re hungry afterward, consider bringing some snacks or extra drinks.

Northern Lights Hunting

Following dinner, the group heads into the forest, with the goal of spotting the Aurora Borealis. The activity depends heavily on the weather—cloud cover, moonlight, and solar activity all influence your chances. Several reviews mention that Northern Lights sightings are not guaranteed, and some travelers felt disappointed when the skies remained clouded or the lights failed to appear.

One traveler commented, “Dommage que la météo n’ait pas été des meilleures pour les aurores boréales,” acknowledging the unpredictability of nature. Still, the experience of being out in the cold, gazing at the starry sky, can be magical regardless of whether the lights appear or not.

Transportation & Weather Considerations

The round-trip transport from your hotel in Rovaniemi is smooth and included, which is especially valuable in winter conditions. The tour provides winter clothing and boots, ensuring comfort in sub-zero temperatures, a thoughtful touch that removes the hassle of renting gear independently.

Departure times are around 5:00 pm, but vary by season, so check your email for precise pickup details. Group sizes are small, with a maximum of 24 travelers, which helps foster a cozy atmosphere, but also means it can feel rushed if weather or delays interfere.

Authenticity and Value

This tour emphasizes cultural authenticity—feeding reindeer, enjoying local cuisine, and hearing stories from Sami families. However, some reviews suggest the experience can fall short of expectations, particularly with the absence of certain activities like campfires or reindeer rides that might be included in other tours.

From a value perspective, $270 covers transportation, clothing, dinner, and the main activities. For travelers who value learning about local traditions and prefer a relaxed, small-group experience over adrenaline-filled pursuits, this is a fair price. But, be prepared for some variability—some guests found the experience a bit underwhelming, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating.

Who is this tour best for?

This experience suits those keen to learn about reindeer husbandry and enjoy a cultural meal in a cozy setting. It’s ideal if you want a relaxed evening without too much rushing or high-energy activities. If you’re traveling with children, the farm visit and the chance to feed reindeer can be a highlight.

However, if your primary goal is guaranteed Northern Lights viewing or a more festive reindeer sleigh ride, you might want to consider alternative tours with more spectacular or guaranteed sightings.

Final Thoughts

This Small-Group Night of Reindeer and Northern Lights offers a relatively authentic glimpse into Lapland’s reindeer culture, with a warm meal and a hopeful chance to see the Aurora Borealis. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy culture, local storytelling, and a relaxed atmosphere. The inclusion of winter gear and transportation adds value, especially for those unfamiliar with Arctic winter logistics.

That said, the variability in the experience—highlighted by some disappointed reviews—means it’s wise to have flexible expectations. The Northern Lights are never guaranteed, and some parts of the tour may feel a bit underwhelming if certain activities are missing or weather doesn’t cooperate. Still, if you’re eager for a taste of authentic Lapland life, this tour can be a memorable part of your Arctic journey.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel in Rovaniemi to the reindeer farm and forest locations is included, making it convenient especially in winter conditions.

What should I wear?
Winter clothes, overall, and boots are provided. You should still dress warmly in layers, as you’ll be outside in cold weather for extended periods.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While the trip aims to hunt for the Aurora Borealis, sightings depend on weather and solar activity. No guarantees are offered, and some reviews mention the weather blocking the view.

Is there a reindeer sleigh ride included?
No, this tour does not include a reindeer sleigh ride. It focuses on farm visits, dining, and Aurora hunting.

What about dietary options?
A vegetarian or vegan meal is available upon request. If you have other dietary requirements, it’s best to specify at booking.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, starting around 5:00 pm, with the exact time depending on the season.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 24 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

What do reviews say about this tour?
Some travelers loved the cultural insight and the farm visit, while others felt disappointed about missing campfires or reindeer rides, and reported that the Northern Lights were sometimes elusive.

Final Word

If you’re after a genuine look into Lapland’s traditions, reindeer culture, and a cozy winter evening, this tour provides a solid, if somewhat unpredictable, experience. It’s best for those who appreciate cultural authenticity over adrenaline or luxury. Just remember—nature’s mood dictates the Northern Lights, and not every trip will match the brochure. Prepare for a quiet, scenic, and potentially magical night in the Arctic, with the understanding that some elements might be missing or vary from expectations.